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Why study History?
Studying History provides us with an insight into our own lives and of the society and the wider world in which we live. Through an understanding of the concept of continuity, you can better appreciate change and its significance, both in your own times and in the past. It is also intended to enable you to develop skills in explaining historical developments and events, evaluating sources and drawing conclusions.
The skills you learn in History are valuable in a wide range of career sectors, including public administration, business management, law, museum work, teaching and journalism.
What do I need to get in?
Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved:
What will I study?
History helps you to understand the world. You will learn how the past affects the present and future by studying topics from Scottish, British, European and world history. You will learn how to use sources in order to understand and explain historical events and themes. You will learn how to research and present information on historical developments.
The course has three compulsory units, plus an added value unit that assesses your practical skills.
Historical Study: Scottish (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop techniques to comment on historical sources
- learn more about themes and events within an area of Scottish history from the Medieval, Early Modern or Later Modern period.
Historical Study: British (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop techniques to comment on the impact of historical developments
- learn more about events and themes of British history from the Medieval, Early Modern or Later Modern period.
Historical Study: European and World (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- develop your skills to comment on factors that contribute to historical developments
- learn more about events and themes of European and world history from the Medieval, Early Modern or Later Modern period.
Added Value Unit: History Assignment (6 SCQF credit points)
In this unit you will:
- choose and research a topic drawn from Scottish, British or European and world contexts and communicate your findings.
How will I be assessed?
Your work will be assessed by your teacher on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Items of work might include:
- written work - research assignments, reports and case studies
- projects
- class-based exams.
You must pass all the units including the practical unit to gain the course qualification.
What can I go on to next?
If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:
Further study, training or employment in:
Which jobs are related to this subject?
Where can my parents find out more?
Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.
They can also read the information leaflet(s):
Nationals in a Nutshell - History (National 4)